The men's 200 metre freestyle competition of the swimming events at the 2011 World Aquatics Championships took place July 25 and 26.

The heats and semifinals took place July 25 and the final was held July 26.

Prior to the competition, the existing world and championship records were as follows.

60 swimmers participated in 8 heats, qualified swimmers are listed:[1] The semifinal were held at 18:57.

[2] The final was held at 18:02.